There are plenty of seasonal markets, flea markets, antique salons and smaller events taking place throughout the year. There are also music festivals large and small,
including traditional, classical and even Cuban music.

The Carnival in Limoges takes place over Mardi Gras weekend, with all the spirit of festival but none of the crush! The crowds enjoying the spectacle are full of children dressed
up for the occasion eating crêpes, candyfloss and throwing confetti. There are over a staggering 2000 participants with floats, bands and dancing troupes from all over Europe.
The Carnival climaxes with the winning float being “drowned” to the cheers of the spectators. A great day out for grown-ups and children alike!

Click to View Enlargements

The Easter market takes place in the centre of Limoges, and features Easter egg hunts and baby animals for children to pet.

For more serious chocolate lovers there is the Salon du chocolat held in the beautiful enamelled Pavillon du Verdurier in Limoges. You can try all manner of chocolate and enjoy
watching chocolatiers at their trade. The smell alone is heavenly!

Traditional services are held in churches, and you can easily buy the privet crosses to be decorated and blessed, and then placed in your home for the coming year. In this area,
they are decorated with meringue as an incentive for children at church!

Click to View Enlargements

The famous Gendarmes et Voleurs race is held in Ambazac with runners from all over Europe taking part in this gruelling cross-country run covering 32 km, with a difference
in altitude of 850m between the highest and the lowest point of the course! It is regarded as equivalent to a marathon. The race is started by the runners pursued by gendarmes
on horseback in traditional dress.

There is a huge Brocante market held in Ambazac with serious pieces, junk and some real bargains to be had.

Click to View Enlargements

The Sauviat sur Vige wine festival is held in the picturesque town, with both champagnes and wines to taste – the old inn is opened for lunches to soak up the tastings
or enjoy oysters and mussels in the open air - a great day out!

Click to View Enlargements

Bastille Day fireworks are a must, and Limoges and St Leonard de Noblat always has an impressive display, and festive atmosphere.

The Pompadour Dressage Championship is held at the once national stud, the beautiful and impressive stables, and is a must for all equestrians.

The Limousin Beef festival is held on the last weekend of the month. It is an agricultural fair, where you can see up close magnificent prize-winning Limousin cattle, enjoy
lunch or dinner (dinner should be booked in advance) in an enormous marquee (not for vegetarians, this one!) where the theme is most definitely beef and wine! There is also wine
tasting and local produce on sale, and a brocante.

August also sees the sales in the porcelain factories – well worth a visit for a bargain – and often equipped with a beer/wine tent for tired shoppers.

The
Grande Foire des Puces is held on the second weekend of the month. It is the biggest antique/brocante market held in Limoges, and set up in its usual venue in the streets around
the cathedral. You can grab lunch from one of the outdoor stalls, or relax with a bottle of wine and a paella.

Lac Saint-Pardoux holds the Randonnez-vous week in the
first week of the month. There are three distances to walk (10, 18 and 32 km) around this pretty lake with water and snacks provided. There is also music and beach games.

The Journée du Patrimoine is a national day celebrating French heritage. Many museums and galleries have free entry for this weekend and sites of interest and private
Château/houses not normally open to the public can be visited. In 2005 the grounds of Château de Ribagnac were open to the public for the first time.

The Christmas market is held in the centre of Limoges, and is a lovely festive affair, with tempting food to stock up on and huge mugs of mulled wine to enjoy!